Cabinet has declared a Monsoon Emergency, says Sherry Rehman

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman warns citizens of more rains in the coming weeks of August as Pakistan’s Cabinet declares a Monsoon Emergency.

Federal Minister Sherry Rehman tweeted, “According to the Pakistan MET department, the country will experience more rains in the coming week. Islamabad, Kashmir, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh will receive heavy rainfall from 6th to 9th of August. Furthermore, these areas including Gilgit Baltistan will also experience strong winds and thundershowers from the 10th to 13th of August. All concerned federal and provincial agencies have been advised to stay on alert and take necessary precautions. In the meantime, all district commissioners and provincial administrations should be mobilized to prevent loss of lives.”

“The levels of Chenab, Jhelum and Ravi are likely to be raised with a risk of flash flooding in local rivers and nallahs in majority of the cities and towns in these provinces. Travelers and tourists should travel in consideration of the weather conditions and be more careful while travelling especially in the northern areas and Kashmir as rainfall may trigger landslides there as well in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Chillas, Diamir, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, Ghizer and Skardu during these days.”

“The effects of climate change continue to exacerbate in the country as we have experienced lengthy heatwave, GLOFs and forest fires. Balochistan recorded more than 600% above-normal rainfall during these monsoon spell since mid-June while Sindh received 500% more rain. Major cities are being warned against urban flooding, prolonged electricity outages, and flash floods. The federal government is making assessments of the damages caused by the rains. The Prime Minister has visited many flood-hit areas himself along with the many Ministerial Committees. NDMA, PDMAs, provincial and district administrations continue to survey disaster struck areas for damage and needs assessment. The federal government will release timely compensations to the families of those who have lost their precious loved ones and who have lost their homes in these devastating floods. We will be moving towards building medium term resilience after the edge of the crisis is over”, stressed the Federal Minister.